Leigh-on-Sea, Great Britain
Member since
2023The member has not specified any exchange dates
Comfortable Essex home with sea views; 50 minutes to London by train
We live in Leigh-on-Sea, a small town where London’s River Thames becomes the sea! Leigh is famous for its cockles and proximity to Southend-on-Sea, a popular seaside retreat for Londoners.
From our house it’s a five minute walk to the modern town centre with many bars, cafes, restaurants and independent shops. It’s also a five minute walk to the river front path that will take you to the old town of Leigh-on-Sea, still an active fishing port and a hub for pubs and other hospitality venues. There’s a small popular beach here and another a similar distance away down river at Chalkwell.
Our home is comfortable and spacious with sea views from many of the rooms. We have a large kitchen/family area and a lounge on the ground floor and a top floor living room with west facing balcony and panoramic views of the coast. Also on the top floor is an office/workspace with another balcony with views of the sea eastwards. There are 3 double bedrooms and 2 bathrooms (one with shower and the other with shower and bath). Outside there’s a small neat garden with seating and a gas barbecue.
There’s lots to do locally including Southend’s two theatres (The Cliffs Pavilion and Palace Theatre) with top acts and west end shows. London is in easy reach with a frequent train service from Chalkwell Station (10 minute walk) getting you to the city in under an hour.
Our Family
- 2 Adults
- 0 Children
- 2 Exchanges made
Occupation
- Run a local microbrewery
- Local Government (Retired), Central Government (Retired)
Our Home
- House Type: House
- Environment: By the sea
- Bedrooms: 3
- Bathrooms: 2
- Sleeping Capacity: 6
References
In my house
- Pets - Allowed
- Small children - Allowed
Exchange Types
- Home exchange
Indoor
- Free internet access
- Central heating
- Fireplace
- Washing machine
- Dishwasher
- Clothes dryer
- Television
Outdoor
- Garden
- Terrace or deck
- Balcony
- BBQ
Facilities
- Non-smoking house
Our Destination Wish List
- Open to any destination
- Canada
- United States
- United Kingdom
- Italy
- Portugal
- France
- Spain
Spoken Languages
- English
Our Neighbourhood
Nearest Airport: London Stansted -
Leigh on Sea is a very popular living location - often featuring in regional and UK polls as among the happiest places in the UK to live. Residents love the Thames Estuary on our doorsteps, the vibrant bustling town centre of Leigh and the charm of the old fishing town set on the riverbank. It’s also great that we have a reliable and quick train service into London (under an hour to the city)
Occupation
- Run a local microbrewery
- Local Government (Retired), Central Government (Retired)
Children
- We do not have children.
Pets
- We do not have pets.
Lifestyle
We both retired from our main careers about 8 years ago - but then made a foolhardy(!) decision to set up a microbrewery (Leigh on Sea Brewery). The brewery, on an industrial site near us has a successful Taproom open to the public and now also a great pub/restaurant which is within walking distance of our home.
We do love to travel and now that the brewery is well established locally we’re seeking to pass on our responsibilities to others and hit the road! Already in 2023 we have spent 2 weeks in Spain and 2 weeks in the USA.
We’re newcomers to house exchange this time round, but in previously Ian used Intervac extensively (during the 1990’s) to exchange numerous times to the US, France, Spain, Belgium and the Netherlands.
References
This member has completed 2 home exchanges. Those referenced below may contain feedback/impression from its exchange partners:
Bexbach, Germany
DE51042Ian and Gaby made us feel very welcome in their home, which was well prepared for our stay and at least as beautiful as the description - including some beers of their own brewery in the refrigerator. Neighbours were friendly and willing to help. We had a great time there, and the communication was easy. Thank you again, Gaby and Ian!
Barcelona, Spain
ES1003872La casa era incluso mejor que en el anuncio, muy confortable y preciosa. Grande, con mucha luz y un jardín muy agradable. La ubicación muy buena, muy cerca de la costa y el paseo marítimo, pero también al lado de la zona comercial del pueblo. La comunicación con la familia fue fluida y fácil. Nos dieron muchas facilidades en la casa para poder estar con nuestra hija y su perrito. Fueron muy amables en todo, incluso enviándome 2 camisetas que me olvidé en su casa.